‘Bull’, ‘Kevin Can Wait’ & ‘MacGyver’ Get Full Season Orders By CBS

CBS has moved in to give Back 9 orders to its three new fall series, dramas Bull and MacGyver and comedy Kevin Can Wait. The pickups bring the episode count for each series to full-season 22 episodes.

All three shows got off to a strong start during premiere week. Comedy Kevin Can Wait and drama Bull, toplined by proven CBS stars (Kevin James and NCIS’ Michael Weatherly, respectively) and given big and compatible lead-ins (The Big Bang Theory and NCIS, respectively), ranked as the most watched new comedy and drama series of premiere week and of the fall season so far. Kevin Can Wait also achieved something few freshman do — its demo rating ticked up in Week 2.

Drama MacGyver launched at 8 PM on Friday with no lead-in support, mostly bad reviews and low expectations given the behind-the-scenes retoolings and the disappointing recent run of CBS’ Rush Hour reboot. The remake defied expectations with a solid premiere, winning Friday in viewers and adults 18-49.

All three series have tapered off in the ratings following the hot start but have largely stabilized at respectable levels and all three have improved their time periods. Additionally, Bull and MacGyver, both franchise dramas owned by CBS, are set to make a lot of money for the sister studio with international sales.

“We’re thrilled viewers have embraced these three shows creatively,” said Glenn Geller, President, CBS Entertainment. “Each one has made an immediate and positive impact on our schedule, while significantly contributing to growing their respective nights.”

Bull, the most watched new program of the season, is averaging 17.32 million viewers, 2.6 in adults 18-49. It has improved the year ago Tuesday (9-10 PM) time period by +18% in viewers, +24% in adults 18-49.

Kevin Can Wait is the season’s most watched new comedy in viewers and 18-49, averaging 11.26 million viewers, 2.8 in adults 18-49 on Mondays at 8:30 PM. Compared to the year ago time period, Kevin Can Wait is up +10% in viewers and +17% in adults 18-49. Next week, Kevin Can Wait moves into its regular Monday 8 PM time slot, leading to new comedy Man with a Plan starring Matt LeBlanc.

MacGyver is averaging 11.35 million viewers, 1.9 in adults 18-49, winning its 8-9 PM time period. MacGyver is up +55% in viewers, +12% in adults 18-49 and +17% in adults 25-54 compared to the year ago time period.